2015 North American International Auto Show Preview

By TheDrivingLife January 9, 2015 | Comments Off

Having already kicked-off the first phase of festivities, the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit will officially begin on Jan. 12. This year’s show emphasizes luxury and high performance, as well as green technology with world debuts including the 2016 Acura NSX supercar, 2016 Chevrolet Volt and 2016 Nissan Titan.

After three long years of development, Acura’s 2016 NSX production model will show face at this year’s auto show on Jan. 12. Expected to launch in late 2015, the NSX supercar is based on the original NSX that was discontinued in 2005. The 2016 NSX supercar will feature a three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. The NSX concept model made its first appearance at the 2012 NAIAS.

While continuing more than ten years of leadership and development in fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut. According to Honda, the FCV Concept “demonstrates the exterior and interior styling evolution of the next-generation zero emission Honda fuel-cell vehicle.” After its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, Honda announced that it would provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout California in hopes to promote FCVs.

Although the 2016 Audi Q7 has already been revealed, it will make its North American debut in Detroit. According to Automotive News, the new SUV lost 716 pounds by making it a bit smaller and by using a blend of aluminum and high-strength steel to construct the body. Audi is also planning on a plug-in diesel hybrid version of the Q7.

The new BMW 6 Series lineup and 2015 M6 will make their world premieres at this year’s NAIAS, accompanied by the innovative BMW i models and the newest technology in electric mobility.

Equipped with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Corvette Z06 and capable of making 640 horsepower and 630 lb.-ft. of torque, Cadillac’s all-new CTS-V will be officially unveiled next week. Cadillac claims that the CTS-V is the brand’s most powerful product in its 112-year history. It is expected to launch in late summer 2015.

On display as a sneak peek at the Consumer Electronics Show on Jan. 4, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, a next-generation extended range electric vehicle, will make its official debut next week in Detroit. The first-generation 2011 Volt was sold in December 2010.

Ford has been pretty good at keeping their plans under wraps, but according to Edmunds.com, the brand is planning to introduce an all-new F-150 SVT Raptor and a redesigned Ford Focus RS. Details are scarce, but there is a hot rumor that Ford may also unveil a successor to the GT.

Infiniti will officially unveil the 2016 Q60 Concept, “a two-door concept for a future sports coupe,” according to an official release from the brand.

Lexus announced its plan to debut the 2016 Lexus GS F performance sedan in Detroit next week. The 2016 GS F will feature a “naturally aspirated” 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque and is coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox capable of manual shifting.

MINI has confirmed that it will debut the 2016 John Cooper Hardtop. The John Cooper Hardtop is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a “maximum output of 228 bhp and a maximum torque of 236 lb.-ft., accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds,” according to an official release from the brand. Surprisingly only a 5% increase in sprint capability compared to previous generation John Cooper Works Hardtop models.

The 2016 Nissan Titan and 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks are also being unveiled next week after receiving their first makeover in about ten years. In an episode of Nissan’s Truckumentary, Nissan’s Rich Miller says the 2016 Titan’s 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel V8 engine produces more than 300 bhp and 550 lb.-ft. of torque and will provide drivers a mix of fuel efficiency and performance. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is expected to feature a new, updated V6 engine, and will serve as prime competition to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Volkswagen has confirmed the premiere of a five- and seven-seat crossover concept at this year’s auto show in Detroit, but has kept details to themselves. However, production of these models is expected to start in Chattanooga, Tennessee next year.

This is all we know for now, but by the looks of it, this year’s auto show will be one for the books with major emphasis on performance, luxury and technology. We will be covering the unveilings of the 2016 Acura NSX supercar and Honda’s FCV Concept.

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